A 20-year-old man from Bakersfield was arrested after he stole a truck from a driveway and led officers on a multi-county chase early on New Year’s Eve, police said. 

According to the Simi Valley Police Department, a resident in the 3000 block of Fletcher Avenue awoke to the sound of his pickup truck starting in his driveway around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. 

“Upon investigation, he discovered the truck was missing and observed broken glass on the driveway,” SVPD said in a release. “He could hear the distinct sound of the truck’s exhaust a few streets away.” 

The truck – described as a black and white RAM with temporary license plates – was located shortly after by a Simi Valley Police Department officer on the 118 Freeway traveling eastbound. The driver did not yield when a traffic stop was attempted, and the officer initiated a pursuit. 

The chase continued eastbound into L.A. County and ended when the driver lost control while on the 118 Freeway transition ramp to the 405 Freeway, police said. A photo included in the SVPD release shows the truck halfway over a concrete barrier.

After colliding with the barrier, the driver of the truck – later identified as Jose Loeza – fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. 

Loeza, 20, was the sole occupant of the vehicle, according to authorities. 

He was arrested for vehicle theft, reckless evading a peace officer, and obstructing/delaying a peace officer and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Jail. 

Source: KTLA.com